I’ve seen a lot of people comment on how annoyed/upset they are at Rian for “moving on too fast” after Mira’s unfortunate death and calling him names like cheater, a player, saying he’s forgotten all about Mira, and Rian now has a rushed romance with Deet that isn't genuine. Not only does this break my heart, but I personally disagree.
Mira would want Rian to find happiness again. If the roles were reversed, and Mira was the one who survived, went on an adventure to lead the resistance, and then slowly started falling for a Gelfling who was on the journey together (whether we say it would’ve been Deet or another Gelfling) Rian would’ve wanted her to be happy.
Rian didn’t forget about Mira, not at all. Her death was what prompted him to start the resistance in the first place. He was determined to give Mira justice for what the Skeksis did to her. Think about it, if Rian truly didn’t care, he would’ve just escaped the castle without retrieving her essence. He wept for her, causing his tear to fall and the Skeksis discovered he knew the truth so he needed to get out of there regardless, but instead of doing that immediately, he went back to retrieve Mira’s essence.
Rian didn’t risk everything to get Mira’s essence just for proof to show Maudra Fara. To Rian, it was still Mira. Carrying it with him felt like he had a piece of her left. She gave him strength to carry on his journey and find Maudra Fara and tell other Gelfling about the draining.
This is why he was so heartbroken and a wreck when Chamberlain drank the rest of her essence. It was torture for Rian, having to watch the Gelfling he loved ripped away from him all over again. That essence was equivalent to Mira’s heart, the last he had of it.
Rian spoke of Mira again, indirectly, during his speech to the Gelflings when he was forming the resistance. He spoke of losing loved ones, and paused at this. The thought of Mira fresh in his mind.
Mira always was. Anytime Rian had to dreamfast with a Gelfling, he had to relieve Mira’s draining all over again. Every single time, he cried. He did mourn for her.
I’ve also seen some people call Rian cowardice for not jumping in and saving Mira.
I would like to point out, that Rian never wanted to split up from Mira in the first place. They were curious where the Spitter went, and Mira who had wings and a wild sense of adventure, wanted to see what was down in the catacombs, so she took advantage. Not that she knew a Skeksis would be waiting for her so she could be drained and killed, and she merely did this because she had a beautiful curious spirit and wanted to catch that Spitter, but I wish she would’ve waited for Rian before going alone. It’s always better to do things together than apart.
Rian immediately went down after Mira, and to his terror discovered what the Skeksis were doing. Now, yes they had to have a Gelfling witness this so said Gelfling could go on to tell the others and start a resistance etc. etc. because that was the plot line for the series, however if Rian jumped down and attempted to save Mira, he would’ve ended up in the same position as she did. All the Skeksis were gathered around. He’s tiny but mighty, yes, but in that specific scenario I don’t know how he would’ve had them escape safely. Keep in mind he was also frozen in shock and fear, not sure exactly what the Skeksis were doing, and his eyes were clouded with tears as Rian was petrified over what was happening.
In terms of Rian and Deet’s blossoming romance, I don’t find it rushed or forced at all.
One of the creators Matthew Addis has said this:
After Mira’s death, and his attempts to let everyone know about the Skeksis evil-doings only to have everyone claim he was a killer, Rian felt broken and lost until Deet came into his life. She was the first Gelfling (besides Gurjin who already knew him) who didn’t cower from him or think he was a monster. She was kind, and open hearted. Light in the darkness.
Rian was intrigued by Deet from the start, and over time they both started to develop feelings for each other.
This is completely plausible and valid. Please remember that due to the type of lives they lead, constantly facing danger together, sharing personal experiences, etc. bonding between Rian and Deet was bound to happen much more rapidly than what a typical romance for an average Gelfling’s life would be. Regardless, by the end of Season 1 they still aren’t in a relationship yet. The writers are letting these characters grow, and gradually admit their feelings.
Rian didn’t try to kiss her within minutes after meeting her just because he thought she was nice and declared she would be his new love. No.
Deet is not a replacement for Mira.
The two relationships are very different in retrospect.
Rian and Deet became best friends, which slowly started forming into something more. Rian got to know Deet, he wanted to learn more about her family, Grot, and spend more time with her.
Rian admired Deet. He thought she was gentle, selfless, kind, brave, and saw the good in her. A Gelfling he could help. He could honor Mira, by doing what he (unfortunately) wasn’t able to do for her. He could save Deet, save her family, stopping the Darkening and Skeksis together.
Rian didn’t want to be alone. With all of the sadness he had come to know, why would he? Rian no longer had a home, no biological family left, but Deet was the one constant in his life. She continued to show up time and time again, eventually remaining by his side through their adventure.
I believe after all Rian has been through, he deserves happiness. It is possible, to find true love again, and that’s okay. Love inspires you, encourages you to have something to fight and live for. Here’s to season 2, and to hoping Rian and Deet confess their love for one another.
